FORT GERIAH SURRENDERED. 
195 
Colonel Clive, in order to frustrate the admission of 
the Mahrattas, which he had learned from a deserter 
was the intention of the besieged, as the governor had 
received orders from his brother upon no account to 
admit the English within the walls. 
All the troops being landed, and prepared to act as 
circumstances might require. Admiral Watson sent a 
peremptory message to the commandant of the fort, 
declaring that if it were not delivered up to him within 
an hour from the time of his communication, the at- 
tack should be renewed, and no quarter extended to the 
garrison. The governor desired that there might be a 
cessation of hostilities until he could have his brother’s 
determination upon the English admiral’s message ; 
stating that as his brother, when he left him in com- 
mand, strictly forbade a capitulation, he could not 
comply with the terms of the summons until he heard 
from him who alone could give an answer. 
Plausible as this pretence appeared, it was evidently 
only a feint to cover the sinister design of giving the 
place into possession of the Mahrattas, with whom the 
pirate was anxious to secure a peace. His wily efforts 
to gain time were of no avail ; for Admiral Watson, 
seeing through the flimsy disguise, on receiving the 
commandant’s reply, opened again upon the fort a se- 
vere fire, which, within half an hour, induced Angria 
to hoist a flag of truce. It was now, of course, ex- 
pected that the enemy’s colours would be hauled down 
and our troops admitted ; but as this was delayed un- 
der the shallowest pretences, the cannonading from 
our ships was renewed with so terrific an energy that 
the garrison soon capitulated unconditionally. Co- 
